San Francisco Challenge: A Race of Wits Around the City by the Bay

The San Francisco Challenge is an urban adventure race. Teams of two or more will race around the city, competing against other challengers for top cash prizes as you plot race strategy, solve tricky clues, and explore undiscovered corners of the city. Think of it as a 5K that tests your brains as much as your legs, with much bigger prizes and a whole lot more fun! At the finish line, there will be an after-party with cold water, a costume contest, food and drink specials and an awards ceremony for the winners.

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Description

*Your ticket includes a t-shirt, bib and clue packet.

*Here are the basics:

Who can participate? Do I need to be really in shape?

Anyone can participate, though those under age 18 need a teammate over age 18. The clues are designed so that the most important element for success is a winning strategy, though fitness definitely won’t hurt. The course will take you anywhere from 4 to 5 miles throughout the day and only public transportation and your own two feet are allowed.

What is the race course?

You make the course! There is no set course from clue to clue—everybody’s route is different.

What should I wear?

Remember that you’ll be getting a t-shirt at registration, so plan ahead to wear that. Otherwise, you should wear comfortable gear appropriate for the weather forecast—we’ll go forward rain or shine, as long as it’s not hazardous. Running shoes are probably best. There is a costume contest with a separate prize, so dress creatively if you want to compete for that prize.

What do I need to bring with me?

Very little, really. Bring your ID for registration. Bring a little bit of cash for snacks or drinks along the way. Smart phones are allowed as a tool, and one digital camera per team is required to document your success at each stop. Some teams designate one person with a backpack to carry the load for everyone else. You can pretty much bring any resource (GPS, travel books, etc) that you want to carry along!

Can I use a car? A bike? Ride a mongoose around?

Only your own two feet and public transit are allowed. No bikes, no rollerblades, no skateboards, no cars, no hanggliders.

Any other rules?

You must complete 11 of the 12 clues before heading to the finish line, which allows one clue that might be too tough or is unexpectedly unreachable on race day.